Paper presented in the 2nd Biennial CAMANAVA Studies Conference, University of

the East Caloocan, Caloocan City, Manila, Philippines, 4-5 February 2015 in
cooperation with Graduate School, Maejo University, Chiang-Mai, Thailand

RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN NEWSPAPER READING HABITS

OF COMMUNICATION UNIVERSITY STUDENTS
AND THEIR ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE
Macario G. GAYETA, MAEd, NC II, EdD can.
Department of Communication, University of the East Caloocan, Caloocan City
Manila, Philippines
mhuckgayeta.ue@gmail.com

Abstract

Newspaper reading plays a pivotal role among university students. Circulation of newspaper is a
free fall and a major problem faced by publishers in the Philippines due to decline of readership
and sales. In this context, assessing newspaper reading affects the academic performance of
university students in the Philippines.

The methodology is based on a quantitative survey of university students, (n=500). The results
reveal that majority of students were males from lower middle class; own a house and lot and
young professional students. Data show that English newspaper like Manila Bulletin is the
leading broadsheet newspaper consulted by communication university students followed by
feature stories. Findings also highlight broadsheet and tabloid newspapers retained the
importance of entertainment. Participants also showed a highest preference in English language
used. Most of the respondents found an average GWA in communication subjects
(Communication media, journalism principles and practice, mass media law & ethics, and
television production & direction). The study reveals that there is no significant relationship
between profile variables, newspaper reading and academic performance in communication
subjects. The respondents most came from the lower middle class families and they project good
images as professional students’ in the university.

These findings suggest that there is an implication in newspaper reading; student academic
performance which is not affected by demographic characteristics. Hence, university students
showed interests in newspaper reading and preferred reading broadsheet and tabloid articles,
maintained an average academic performance in communication subjects. Proposed measures are
indicated for evaluation and implementation of communication program to improve university
students’ performance.

Keywords: Newspaper reading; academic performance, uses and gratification, university

communication students, Manila, Philippines